How to Get a San Bernardino Accident Report (Online & In-Person)

If you’ve been involved in a collision in San Bernardino, obtaining your police report is an important step in preserving your legal rights. Knowing how to get a San Bernardino accident report online and in person can help ensure you have the documentation needed to support your insurance claim or legal case.

A report from the San Bernardino Police Department includes official details that insurers, attorneys, or courts may use to determine fault. If you are working with a San Bernardino car accident lawyer, your attorney may request the report on your behalf or use its contents to build your claim.

The sections below explain how to request the report, how to read it, and what to expect during the follow-up process.

Do You Need a Police Accident Report?

Yes. Insurers, courts, and attorneys often rely on the official police report because it:

• Contains objective facts collected by law enforcement, such as date, time, parties involved, and witness statements.
• Helps establish your legal claim by showing what a responding officer documented.
• Shows that you took prompt action to report the collision and started your evidence timeline.

Typically, you must wait 10 days after the date of the collision before requesting the report in San Bernardino, and you should expect it to take three to four weeks for processing.

Where to Order a Police Accident Report Online (Portals Serving San Bernardino)

To request a police accident report for a collision within San Bernardino city limits, contact the San Bernardino Police Department’s Records Bureau. 

The office is located at 710 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401. You’ll need to wait at least 10 days after the crash before submitting your request. A valid photo ID is required, and the cost is $0.25 per page. Once submitted, report processing typically takes three to four weeks.

If the collision occurred in an unincorporated area or was handled by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, you can submit a California Public Records Act request at sanbernardinocounty.nextrequest.com. 

If the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene, you must use the CHP’s official request form. This form is available on the CHP website or at any local CHP office.

How to Order a Car Accident Police Report In Person

You may prefer to request your accident report by visiting the San Bernardino Police Department Records Bureau in person. Bring the necessary documentation and follow these steps:

• Visit the Records Bureau: 710 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401. Open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed Friday through Sunday and on holidays.
• Bring valid photo identification: A driver’s license or passport is required, along with the date of the collision, location, or a case/report number.
• Pay the required fee: Reports cost $0.25 per page. Accepted payment methods include cash, money order, MasterCard, or Visa.
• Wait for processing: Reports are typically available within three to four weeks of the request.

Redacted vs. Unredacted Copies of a Car Accident Police Report

An unredacted copy of a police accident report includes full identifying information, names, addresses, and detailed statements, and is available only to parties involved in the collision (drivers, vehicle owners, legal guardians, insurance carriers, or attorneys). 

A redacted copy removes personal identifying information and may be provided to third parties or general public requests. For juvenile cases or special privacy protections, you may need a court order or petition.

What’s Inside the San Bernardino Accident Report and How to Read It

A police accident report from San Bernardino will typically include the following:

• Narrative: A summary written by the responding officer explaining how the crash occurred based on statements, evidence, and observations.
• Diagram: A visual layout showing vehicle positions, direction of travel, impact points, and any involvement of pedestrians or cyclists.
• Unit pages: Detailed information for each vehicle and driver involved, including license numbers, vehicle types, and insurance data.
• Contributing factors: Codes or descriptions that may include speeding, failure to yield, DUI, or mechanical issues.
• Injury and citation section: Notations on reported injuries and whether any party was cited for a traffic violation.

To read your report effectively:

• Compare the diagram with your memory of the crash scene and vehicle positions.
• Review the officer’s narrative to see if it matches your version of events.
• Note the listed contributing factors, which may affect liability and insurance claims.
• Look at the time the crash occurred versus when officers arrived; any significant gap may be worth discussing with your attorney.

Timeline and Follow‑Up

After submitting your request for a San Bernardino police accident report, keep the following in mind:

• Wait time before requesting: Allow at least 10 days from the crash date before submitting your request.
• Processing time: Reports typically take three to four weeks to become available once requested.
• Missing report follow–up: If you do not receive the report within that timeframe, contact the Records Bureau at (909) 384‑5742 to check the status using your case number.
• Proof of request: Keep confirmation that you submitted the request; this may be necessary if your attorney needs to subpoena the report later.
• Personal records: Document the date of your request, the name of the staff member you spoke with, the payment amount, and how the request was submitted (in person, online, or by mail).

Get Help from a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer at J&Y Law

Requesting a San Bernardino accident report is an important part of your injury claim, but it can take time and persistence to obtain the right version and understand what it means for your case.

At J&Y Law, our San Bernardino car accident lawyers can help you request the report, review its key findings, and use that information to support your insurance or legal claim.

We offer free consultations and only charge a fee if we recover compensation for you. Contact J&Y Law today to protect your rights and take the next step in your recovery.